Which one of the following is not a predisposing factor of nosocomial infection?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Infection control is a critical aspect of nursing practice to ensure patient safety and prevent nosocomial infections in healthcare settings. Understanding predisposing factors is crucial for nurses to implement appropriate preventive measures. Option A, limited use of antibiotics, is the correct answer as it is not a predisposing factor for nosocomial infections. In fact, prudent use of antibiotics helps prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, reducing the risk of infections. Extremes of age, immunosuppression, and chronic diseases are all well-established predisposing factors for nosocomial infections. Infants and the elderly have underdeveloped or weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. Immunosuppressed patients, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplant recipients, have compromised immune systems. Chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney disease can weaken the body's defenses against infections. Educationally, nurses must grasp the significance of these predisposing factors to conduct thorough assessments, implement appropriate infection control measures, and collaborate with healthcare teams to prevent nosocomial infections. Understanding these factors enhances nursing practice and contributes to improved patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Escherichia coli. E. coli is a major cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in both community and healthcare settings. It is a common bacterium found in the gastrointestinal tract and can easily migrate to the urinary tract, leading to infection. A) Proteus mirabilis is also a common cause of UTIs, particularly in patients with catheters, but it is not the primary bacterium responsible for most UTIs. B) Enterococcus is more commonly associated with infections in the bloodstream, heart, and abdomen, rather than UTIs. D) Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for causing infections in immunocompromised individuals, burn patients, and those with cystic fibrosis, but it is not a typical cause of UTIs in otherwise healthy individuals. Educationally, understanding the causative agents of UTIs is crucial for nurses in providing effective care and treatment to patients. Recognizing E. coli as a primary pathogen in UTIs helps nurses make informed decisions regarding appropriate antibiotic therapy and infection control practices to prevent recurrent infections. This knowledge enhances nurses' ability to promote patient safety and positive health outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In a healthcare setting, proper management of infectious waste is crucial to prevent the spread of infections. The correct answer, option D, stating "All of the above" is the right choice because all the items listed in options A, B, and C are considered infectious waste found in healthcare facilities. Option A includes materials in contact with blood, which can contain pathogens like HIV or hepatitis. Option B refers to pathological wastes, which can harbor infectious agents and must be disposed of properly to prevent contamination. Option C involves materials in contact with body fluids, which can also carry harmful microorganisms. Educationally, understanding the different types of infectious waste and how to handle them appropriately is essential for nurses and healthcare workers to maintain a safe environment for both patients and staff. By recognizing and segregating infectious waste correctly, healthcare facilities can minimize the risk of infections and promote a culture of safety and cleanliness.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of infection control in healthcare settings, proper hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of infections. The correct answer is option C, which states that healthcare workers need 20-30 seconds for handwashing with soap and water. This is the recommended duration by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) for effective handwashing to remove dirt, germs, and pathogens. Option A, which suggests 80-90 seconds for handwash with soap and water, is excessive and may not be feasible for healthcare workers to consistently adhere to in a fast-paced clinical environment. Option B, with 20-30 seconds for alcohol handrub, is suitable for situations where soap and water are not readily available, but it is not as effective as handwashing in removing certain types of contaminants. Option D, with 10-15 seconds for alcohol handrub, is too short a duration to ensure proper coverage of all hand surfaces and to effectively kill a broad range of pathogens. By understanding the appropriate duration for hand hygiene techniques, healthcare workers can better protect themselves, their patients, and the community from healthcare-associated infections, making this knowledge vital in their daily practice.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of infection control in healthcare settings, it is crucial for healthcare workers to maintain high standards of hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infections. The correct answer, option D, states that healthcare workers should not wear rings, bracelets, and watches, and keep their nails short. Wearing rings, bracelets, and watches can harbor bacteria and other pathogens, making proper hand hygiene more challenging. Long nails, artificial nails, and nail extensions can also trap dirt and microbes, increasing the risk of transmitting infections. Keeping nails short is important as it minimizes the surface area where pathogens can reside, making hand hygiene more effective. Option A is incorrect because wearing watches can also harbor bacteria, and it is important to avoid unnecessary items that can compromise hand hygiene. Option B is incorrect as artificial nails are known to harbor more bacteria than natural nails, posing a higher infection risk. Option C is incorrect because long nails can also harbor bacteria and make proper hand hygiene less effective. In an educational context, it is important to emphasize to healthcare workers the rationale behind these infection control measures. By understanding how wearing jewelry, long nails, or artificial nails can contribute to the spread of infections, healthcare workers can make informed decisions to prioritize patient safety and maintain a high standard of infection control practices. This knowledge is essential for creating a safe healthcare environment for both patients and healthcare workers.